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Posts Tagged ‘heavy-duty’

HD Repair Forum to Showcase OEM and Insurer Involvement

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The HD Repair Forum (HDRF) is in its 6th year and the level of engagement from OEM’s and insurers continues to grow. Previous conferences have highlighted information on new vehicle technology, repair resources, and parts information from several OEMs including PACCAR, Daimler, Ford Motor Company, Rivian, Great Dane, Volvo Group North America, and others.

“As the industry and technology continues to evolve, engaging with the OEM’s and insurers has never been more critical, ” stated Brian Nessen, HD Repair Forum President. 

Isuzu, MCI, Navistar and Prevost will take this stage this year to present during the 2023 general sessions on Tuesday, April 18th and Wednesday, April 19th in Fort Worth, Texas. “Their participation is a continuation of the support the event has received the past few years from the manufacturers.” Nessen continued. Speakers from our OEM supporters will provide insight on the latest in technology for newer model vehicles, where to find repair information for those vehicles, updates on the parts supply chain, and more.

The HD Repair Forum is a platform for all industry stakeholders to discuss common challenges and identify solutions, and that includes involvement from the industry’s insurance partners. “We have had a number of insurance and independent appraiser companies involved with the HD Repair Forum over the years.” Nessen emphasized. “Without their input, we would be missing a big piece of the puzzle.” 

This year’s insurance panel will feature representatives from National General, an Allstate Company, Great American Insurance Group, and Federated Insurance and will focus on challenges experienced by both repairers and insurers with the goal of identifying potential solutions, including audience participation and Q & A. 

Registration for the event is still open, and the opportunity to save on registration rates is still available. To access registration and gather more information go to hdrepairforum.com/event-registration

Those with questions or interest in getting more involved in the industry’s only collision-focused event may reach out to Jennie Lepore JennieL@hdrepairforum.com or Brian Nessen BrianN@hdrepairforum.com.

About HD Repair Group

HD Repair Group offers a dedicated source of focused-information for those involved in collision repair work of heavy-duty, medium-duty, commercial, and non-commercial vehicles in classes 4 – 8. This community is where industry stakeholders such as shop owners, company executives, managers, technicians, estimators, and others can network with industry peers and find the latest news, tips, trends, and best practices in the heavy- and medium-duty collision repair marketplace. The HD Repair Group serves this industry in numerous ways including hosting conferences, distributing a monthly e-newsletter, hosting webinars, videos, social channels, and more. 

Learn more or sign up here to get connected today. 

2020 HD Repair Forum Opens Sponsorship Positions

Posted by Jennie Lepore

Plans for the third annual HD Repair Forum have been confirmed. The 2020 event is scheduled for March 24-25 at The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel. Registration is now open and sponsorship opportunities are already being booked. Companies interested in having a presence at the HD Repair Forum are encouraged to book now as sponsorships are limited. More information can be found on the sponsorship page of the website.

“The HD Repair Forum brings together the stakeholders of the heavy-duty collision repair industry in an effort to provide attendees with a unique opportunity to discuss trends, address industry challenges, and evaluate key business strategies.” explains Brian Nessen, President of the HD Repair Forum. 

The 2019 event saw significant growth from its inaugural meeting. With the guidance of advisory board members and constituents, the HD Repair Forum is addressing the needs of the industry. A few highlights from the 2019 event include presentations from Daimler, Navistar, Peterbilt, Volvo, Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) and I-CAR. Session topics focused on a myriad of industry issues such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electric and hybrid vehicles, liquified and compressed natural gas vehicles, and a panel of insurance executives discussing claims handling and industry collaboration. 

Throughout the two days, there will be extensive networking opportunities allowing shop owners, insurers, appraisers, OEMs, paint manufacturers, information providers, and equipment and service companies to build relationships, conduct business, and solve problems.

Companies interested in sponsoring, getting more involved with this industry, or even hosting a co-located event can send inquiries to Brian Nessen BrianN@hdrepalrforum.com or Jennie Lenk JennieL@hdrepairforum.com 

Visit the website for more information or contact us at 281-819-2332.

Registration Opens for the 3rd Annual HD Repair Forum

Posted by Jennie Lepore

Registration for the HD Repair Forum is now open. Last year’s event experienced a forty percent increase in attendance and has quickly established itself as the can’t-miss event for the heavy-duty collision repair industry. 

The third annual conference is set to take place Tuesday and Wednesday, March 24th & 25th, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas, at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel. The program will follow a similar format as last year’s event, spanning two days with presentations from OEMs, insurers, and other industry leaders during each morning’s general sessions. 

Attendees will gain valuable insight into industry trends allowing them to make better business decisions today and in the future. Afternoon break-out sessions will provide attendees an opportunity to choose classes that best address their individual or business needs. These sessions are geared towards executives, shop owners, managers, and company leaders. 

Throughout the two days, there will be extensive networking opportunities allowing shop owners, insurers, appraisers, OEMs, paint manufacturers, information providers and equipment and service companies to build relationships, conduct business, and solve problems.

To register for early bird rates and gain unique access to equipment suppliers, break-out sessions, and networking opportunities dedicated to the commercial vehicle collision repair industry, follow this link: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/hdrf2020

For additional information, please visit www.hdrepairforum.com or contact us at: www.hdrepairforum.com/contact-us

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are now available. Reach out to Brian Nessen or Jennie Lenk.

About HD Repair Group

HD Repair Group offers a dedicated source of focused information for those involved in collision repair work for heavy-duty/commercial vehicles, primarily in classes 5, 6, 7, and 8. This community is where shop owners, executives, managers, technicians, estimators, and other industry stakeholders will find the latest news, tips, tactics, trends and best practices in the heavy-duty collision repair industry. The HD Repair Group offers numerous ways of delivering this information including an annual conference, a monthly e-newsletter, webinars, videos, and social channels for networking. 

NPO Dedicated to Increasing Women’s Presence in the Trucking Industry Hits Conference Attendance Record

Posted by Jennie Lepore

Companies and individuals from across the trucking industry gathered in Dallas, TX in early October for the Women in Trucking’s ever-growing Accelerate! conference. 

Over the course of three days, more than 1,000 women and men gathered in the downtown Dallas, Sheraton hotel to educate themselves on how to push the gender gap forward for females throughout the trucking industry. Topics related to leadership, professional development, HR/talent management, operations, sales and marketing, and even professional driver strategies were available to attendees. 

The purpose of the organization and its annual event is “to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry.” General sessions brought the audience motivational and insightful perspectives on the various paths one can walk along the path to success in this industry.

The focus of the event is teaching others how to increase the presence of women within the industry. General sessions and break out sessions alike focused in on understanding and overcoming gender bias, breaking down advancement ceilings facing women, and providing strategies for transitioning perceptions.

Taking the stage during the opening presentations were three women with decades of experience in the trucking industry. They highlighted the need for anyone who wants to be successful in their career to be flexible with new opportunities, be intentional and verbal with their goals and aspirations, and be bold enough to build relationships with those who can help them in achieving their goals.  

Ramona Hood, current Vice President of Operations, Planning & Strategy, FedEx Custom Critical shared her path to this position and strongly encouraged the audience to focus on three things when looking to take their career to the next level. “Be comfortable with the uncomfortable; share your goals and career aspirations with others, and find a mentor.” She noted how critical it was to have someone who knows your  work and is willing to cosign for you, when you are not in the room.

Recipient of the “Most Influential Woman in Trucking” in 2018, Angela Eliacostas, President & Founder of AGT Logistics addressed the audience following Hood. Her path in trucking began as a little girl and encompassed driving her dad’s truck around back and fueling it up for his weeks-long trips. A plight of a single mother of four boys didn’t keep her from being brave. She took a “leap of faith”, as she explained it, and started her own trucking company “All Girls Transportation (AGT),” highlighting the woman owned nature of the company. The Organization has since evolved to AGT Global Logistics, a 3rd party logistics firm.  

The event’s 3rd and final opening presenter was Ellen Voie. Ellen is the president and co-founder of Women in Trucking (WIT). Ellen briefed the audience on her dream to see more women grow and be active in the industry. WIT as an organization has been around for 12 years and has grown its membership numbers at both the corporate and individual levels. “This is only the 5th year we have held the Accelerate! Conference. I can’t believe I’m speaking to 1,000 people in the audience right now. I’m going to set a goal for the 2020 conference; Let’s get to 1500!” The audience erupted in show of their support. 

The remainder of the 3-day conference encompassed more than 60 sessions of motivational and mind-transformational discussions on topics like: gender diversity, leadership, professional development, HR/talent management, operations, sales and marketing, and professional drivers. Check back on the HD Repair Forum website for more stories detailing some of those sessions. 

If interested in taking part in the 2020 conference, save the dates for a trip to Dallas, Texas, September 23-25, 2020. 

About Women in Trucking
The Women In Trucking Association is a non-profit organization focused on the transportation and logistics industry. Our mission? To encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry.

About HD Repair Forum
HD Repair Group offers a dedicated source of focused information for those involved in collision repair work for heavy-duty/commercial vehicles, primarily in classes 5, 6, 7, and 8. This community is where shop owners, executives, managers, technicians, estimators, and other industry stakeholders will find the latest news, tips, tactics, trends and best practices in the heavy-duty collision repair industry. The HD Repair Group offers numerous ways of delivering this information including an annual conference, a monthly e-newsletter, webinars, videos, and social channels for networking.

Industry Receives Increased OEM Communication Since HD Repair Forum

Posted by Jennie Lepore

Houston, Texas, Jan. 29, 2019 – When the HD Repair Forum was first in development back in 2017, its founders breathed hope into offering the heavy-duty collision repair industry something it has never had before: A Platform for Progress.

“Months of research and countless conversations proved this industry needed an event tailored to its needs,” explains Brian Nessen, Co-founder and President of the HD Repair Forum. “When you’re hearing similar concerns from all angles of the industry, you recognize a missing link in the chain of communication. From experience, we understand that discussion around common struggles brings light to industry inefficiencies and creates opportunity for strategies to evolve. The aim is to move everyone forward as a solid unit,” he continues.

“The conversations we had at the HD Repair Forum in 2018 helped us better understand the challenges many repair facilities are facing,” says T.J. O’Hanlon, Director of Private Labels at Navistar, which makes International® trucks, IC Bus® school buses, and Fleetrite® all-makes replacement parts.

“Those conversations led directly to the development of our collision catalog, which should make it easier for these facilities to identify OEM- and aftermarket- approved replacement parts. At the 2019 HD Repair Forum, we’re looking forward to additional discussions about how independent repair facilities can best provide their customers with high-quality, economical solutions.”

O’Hanlon is scheduled to speak to attendees in more detail about these and other company developments at the 2019 event on April 2nd & 3rd in Fort Worth, TX.

The HD Repair Forum brings together repair facility owners and managers from across North America to hear from and interact with industry stakeholders, like Navistar, the Illinois-based OEM, who was one of the first to commit their support to the 2019 event.

Navistar’s collision catalog is a readily available reference guide of OEM part numbers for not only the International vehicle brand, but also for Freightliner, Kenworth, and more. Part numbers are displayed with accompanying pictures to make it easier for customers to decipher what is needed. Delivery of parts within 24 hours has been advertised.

“The underlying commonality between repair facilities, insurance parties, and manufacturers is the end customer. Making their lives easier and safer is the central focus of this event,” concludes Nessen.

Discounted registration to the event is available through February 9th. To register follow: https://hdrepairforum.com/register2019

If you are interested in joining Navistar in its support of this industry, please visit: www.hdrepairforum.com/sponsor2019

For additional information, please visit: www.hdrepairforum.com or call (281) 819-2332.

About the HD Repair Forum

Created as a dedicated resource for heavy-duty collision repair information for shop owners, managers, estimators, appraisers, insurance personnel, manufacturers, educators, and consultants. The HD Repair Forum offers a monthly newsletter, a website, news articles, webinars, and an annual conference that brings industry stakeholders together. The HD Repair Forum’s conference will take place April 2-3, 2019 in Fort Worth, TX with numerous classes and panels dedicated to education and problem solving.

About Navistar

Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, proprietary diesel engines, and IC Bus® brand school and commercial buses. An affiliate also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com.  

AkzoNobel Coating Increases Support of the HD Repair Forum in 2019

Posted by Jennie Lepore

Houston, Texas, Jan. 9, 2019 – The HD Repair Forum is pleased to announce that AkzoNobel Coatings will continue to be an active partner in building a community and platform-for-progress in the heavy-duty collision repair industry.

At the inaugural conference in 2018, AkzoNobel Coatings hosted its spring 20-Group meeting alongside this unique heavy-duty collision conference and shined as a premier sponsor.

“The company’s involvement and enthusiasm for the heavy-duty industry was obvious. Attendees knew their products and were proud to discuss the benefits they received from being involved with AkzoNobel.” explains Brian Nessen, President and Co-Founder of the HD Repair Forum.

The company committed early last week to join Navistar as one of the two exclusive Elite Sponsors for the 2019 HD Repair Forum.

The Forum’s aim is to foster growth and progress in the heavy-duty collision repair industry through the exchange of knowledge, experience, and feedback from all industry stakeholders. Heavy-duty collision repair professionals from across North America will gather in Fort Worth, TX, April 2nd & 3rd to obtain information on the latest trends and industry issues. They will hear about the latest technology, solution-based services, and training opportunities available to the market.

“Our 20-group members find great value in attending the HD Repair Forum. At our Fall meeting in 2018, members voted unanimously to once again host the spring meeting upon completion of this conference.”  explains Jimmy Harris, co-facilitator to AkzoNobel Coating’s 20-Group.

“Having this group for 2019 confirms the importance of bringing the industry together. We are pleased to hear of their enthusiasm and take pride in being able to further assist this already strong segment of the industry,” continues Nessen. “Their decision supports the ongoing plan for industry collaboration and fits with the direction of the HD Repair Forum, to bring the heavy-duty repair industry together for education and networking.”

Many other industry stakeholders, including truck manufacturers, equipment suppliers, insurance companies, independent appraisers and heavy-duty repair facility owners have already marked the second annual HD Repair Forum on their calendars.

Heavy-Duty Collision Repair Event Schedule:

Tuesday, April 2
7:00 AM Registration
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Conference
5:00-6:30 PM Networking Reception

Wednesday, April 3
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Conference

Thursday, April 4
AkzoNobel Coating’s 20-Group Meeting 

Registration Opens for the Second Annual HD Repair Forum

Posted by Jennie Lepore

Registration for the 2019 HD Repair Forum is set to open Monday, December 10th, 2018. Last year’s premier event proved a milestone for the heavy-duty collision repair industry. Co-founder and Director of the HD Repair Forum, Brian Nessen explains why.

“Up until to the 2018 event, this group of collision repairers simply did not have an event dedicated to their businesses’ needs and interests.” This void eliminated opportunity for the niche group to gather, communicate, collaborate, and network with peers, stakeholders, and key-influencers of their industry.

The inaugural HD Repair Forum proved a great success. “Attendees, speakers, industry leaders, and sponsors alike were relieved to see the heavy-duty collision repair industry come together and begin to gain momentum in the progress to alleviate gaps that exist within the heavy-duty collision repair process.” Nessen continued.

This year’s conference will follow a similar format to last year’s event with keynote speakers, presentations from OEMs and other industry experts, followed with unique access to equipment suppliers, break-out sessions, and networking opportunities. “From the conversations we’ve had with many individuals within the industry, it was obvious an event geared towards education and information was necessary for the industry’s growth and sustainability.”

The event is set to take place Tuesday and Wednesday, April 2nd & 3rd, 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas. To register for early bird rates follow this link:

www.etouches.com/hdrepairforum2019

For additional information, please visit www.hdrepairforum.com or contact us at: www.hdrepairforum.com/contact-us

The HD Repair Forum Secures Date and Location for 2nd Annual Heavy-Duty Collision Repair Conference

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The HD Repair Forum announces it will host its second annual conference for the heavy-duty collision repair industry on April 2-3, 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas at the historic Hilton Fort Worth.

“The inaugural HD Repair Forum was a success. Our goal was to bring the decision makers and influencers of the industry together with the hope of helping drive improvement for all industry stakeholders. As evidenced by the list of attendees and the level of engagement, the Forum clearly fills the need. Attendees were able to share, learn and network with the leadership in the heavy-duty collision repair industry,” explains Brian Nessen, co-founder of the HD Repair Forum.

The 2018 conference featured technical and management training from some of the most well respected companies and trainers in the industry. In addition, executives from Navistar and Peterbilt, discussed their new vehicle technology and the challenges repairers will face in the future. Several co-located meetings, such as AkzoNobel’s 20 group, were held during the week that brought in some of the best repairers in the United States and Canada. The vendor expo brought high visibility to supporting organizations that are committed to serving the industry.

“Our goal is simple,” states Nessen. “Provide heavy-duty collision repairers with an avenue to collaborate with the key influencers in their business. Vehicle manufacturers, insurers, independent appraisers, information providers, tool & equipment suppliers, paint manufacturers, and paint body & equipment suppliers are welcome.”

The HD Repair Forum expects its second conference to bring additional OEM participation, to continue the discussion on industry repair standards, as well as provide relevant training and education for shop owners and managers.

For more information on the HD Repair Forum and its second annual conference check www.hdrepairforum.com for evolving updates.

To sign up for the monthly newsletter and get event updates straight to your inbox, go to: www.hdrepairforum.com/contact-us

For sponsorship opportunities, or inquiries on collaborative development please contact Jennie Lenk at 281-819-2332.